Conclusion of Speaking in Tongues

Throughout her essay, Zadie Smith spends much time discussing and analyzing President Obama's rhetoric. As a multiracial American herself, she wants other minority groups to hold on to their culture and preserve their language. I believe she recognizes why Obama's speech has transformed since he was just 17, but she seems disgusted with Americas political system. She writes, "for reasons that are obscure to me, those qualities we cherish in our artists we condemn in our politicians" (Smith 189). Those qualities she is referring to is a strong sense of self, many voices and perspectives. In terms of speech, she struggles to understand why society does not seem to cherish culturally rounded individuals who stand strong in their culture. The rhetoric of a politician must be cookie-cutter. Every successful politician must proclaim their love for God and believe Americans are superior (190). If the American people began electing culturally diverse representatives, American's may lose their sense of superiority to the rest of the world. Smith supports this change, as many should. Politicians are forced to change their accent, lose their slang, and speak so-called perfect English. If artists were this mainstream, they would have no following, few supporters. Artists are encouraged to be bold, stand out from the crowd.

Smith strongly disagrees with the cliched molds that society has formed for politicians and poets. She calls the reasons for a distinction between the two 'obscure' and spends the essay discussing the importance of other languages (189). I like her discussion of Dream City, where many voices fit together. Smith again relates herself to the President, because they both come from a Dream City. Obama was careful throughout his campaign to always say 'we' as opposed to 'I', hoping to prove he is like many Americans (184). Although Smith thinks having multiple cultures and languages is a positive thing, I think she does want a distinction between poets and politicians. I do not think she supports the current political system, but if poets and politicians were one in the same society would never function the same. It is important for political leaders to be relatable, and I think that Smith suggests throughout her essay that coming from Dream City is common, even normal. Politicians should not change who they are to fit societies mold, they should be honest and true to themselves.